Brown Bag Medication Review Service Project 

By Ann Chung, Pharm.D, Assistant Professor, Clinical & Administrative Sciences 

The brown bag medication review on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Pastor Gregory’s church was a true opportunity that fulfilled many purposes. 

First, the faculty had a chance to conduct a research of the medication adherence for the indigent community surrounding the Long Beach area.  The survey questions were designed to elicit answers about medication compliance, difficulty obtaining medication, adverse effects, etc.  We had a very good number of patrons participating. However, we might need to repeat the activity in a month because not all the patrons brought their medication with them that day.   

Secondly, this event served as a co-curricular activity for our pharmacy and nursing students.  This particular event enabled students to develop communication skills and interdisciplinary interaction with other healthcare professions (licensed nursed, pharmacists, and medical doctors) and a diversity of patients coming from different walks of life.  This event especially gave insight to students about the homeless population, their adversity, equity in health care, and medication access. 

Third, students’ behavior and action were observed and evaluated based on the co-curricular rubric created.  This event is included in the public health and education category, which is one of the requirements for graduation.  The students’ knowledge, delivery techniques, communication, and assessment skills were graded. 

Overall, I am glad that I was able to participate in this public health event at the Pastor’s Church.  It gave me a feeling of altruism and service, which is an important part of being a human.